Negligence continues: Yet another life lost in metro construction mishap

Despite multiple tragedies in the past, the construction firm NCC Limited, tasked with executing Bengaluru’s Metro works continues to operate with alarming negligence. In a fresh incident at Kogilu Cross, a massive viaduct segment being transported late at night led to the death of an innocent auto driver. Eyewitnesses reported that the heavy structure was moved without the mandatory escort vehicles or personnel, raising serious safety concerns once again.

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This is not the first time NCC’s alleged carelessness has led to loss of life. In January 2023, a similar tragedy occurred on Nagawara Main Road when a metro pillar collapsed on a family riding a bike. A woman and her child were killed on the spot, while her husband and young daughter narrowly survived. Investigations then had resulted in the suspension of three engineers, but the fundamental issues clearly remain unaddressed.

In the most recent case, local residents expressed outrage over the apparent lack of basic precautions during night-time operations. “Such a huge viaduct was being moved, how can this happen without adequate safety measures?” questioned Narayan, a local resident. Reports suggest that the accident was triggered when a lorry’s axle failed, leading to the fatal crash.

BMRCL Chief Public Relations Officer Yashwant Chavan confirmed the incident occurred at night and assured that an investigation is underway. However, with recurring accidents and little accountability, public trust in metro construction safety continues to erode.

It’s time for authorities to enforce stricter oversight and ensure that lives are not sacrificed at the altar of infrastructural development.